Hatsukokoro, established in 2019, is a new Japanese kitchen knife brand whose name signifies "never forgetting one's original intention." Headquartered in Amagasaki, near Osaka, the brand focuses on high cost-performance, artisan craftsmanship, and diverse steel types, quickly gaining recognition in professional kitchen knife circles in Europe and America.
I. Brand Positioning and Background
• Founded: 2019
• Business Model: Integrates artisan resources from various parts of Japan, collaborating with independent blacksmiths from renowned production areas such as Tosa, Echizen, Seki, and Sanjo (e.g., Satoru Nakagawa, Naoki Yamamoto, Yoshikane). It does not operate its own mass-production factory.
• Price Range: $120–$400, positioned as mid-range, suitable for general home use to professional chefs.
• Core Strengths: Unified strict quality control, diverse styles, high cost-performance, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design.
II. Core Craftsmanship and Features
• Origin: Blades are produced in Tosa, Echizen, Seki, Sanjo, etc.; handle materials often include Japanese Magnolia and Oak, paired with buffalo horn ferrules.
• Forging Method: Mostly hand-forged and San-mai (three-layer clad steel), with some high-end series utilizing traditional Honyaki (true differential hardening) craftsmanship.
• Heat Treatment: Hardness reaches HRC 60–64, balancing sharpness and toughness.
• Handle Type: Classic Wa-handle, available in octagonal and round shapes, providing a non-slip grip and smooth operation.
III. Popular Series and Steel Types
VG5 Series (Entry-level Home Use)
• Material: VG5 stainless steel, blade thickness approximately 2.0mm, light and easy to handle.
• Features: Excellent rust resistance, high out-of-the-box sharpness, affordable price.
VG10 Full Steel Series (Advanced)
• Material: VG10 steel core, with multiple layers of Damascus pattern, integrated full-steel construction.
• Features: Substantial feel, durable, stable cutting performance.
HAP40 Powder Steel Series (High-end)
• Material: Third-generation powder steel HAP40, with rhombic Damascus pattern.
• Features: High hardness, high wear resistance, combining aesthetic appeal with practical performance.
White #2 / Blue #2 / Blue #1 / Ginsan Steel Series (Traditional Craftsmanship)
• Collaborating Blacksmith: Satoru Nakagawa (disciple of Kenichi Shiraki)
• Material: Shirogami (White Paper Steel), Aogami (Blue Paper Steel), Ginsan (Silver #3 Steel) carbon steel.
• Features: Extremely sharp, authentic Japanese knife style, professional-grade cutlery.
SLD Nashiji Series (High-Performance)
• Material: SLD special steel, superior in performance to VG10.
• Features: Excellent rust resistance, top-tier cutting performance, with a Nashiji (pear skin) finish on the blade surface.
IV. Target Audience
• General Home Users: Recommended to choose VG5, VG10 series for sharpness, easy maintenance, and excellent cost-performance.
• Professional Chefs: Recommended HAP40, Aogami steel series for high durability and stable performance, suitable for frequent use.
• Knife Collectors: Consider Honyaki craftsmanship, limited editions, which offer high artistic value.
V. Brand Summary
Hatsukokoro is an emerging brand that integrates artisan resources from across Japan. It has rapidly gained prominence due to its high cost-performance, artisanal quality, and wide selection of steel types, offering a product line that spans entry-level to professional categories, making it a highly anticipated Japanese kitchen knife brand in recent years.
